§ Mr. Trotterasked the Secretary of State for Social Services in how many cases order books sent to the child benefit centre at Warlington for renewal have not been renewed owing to industrial action: what is the longest time for which such books have been withheld; and whether satisfactory arrangements have been made to make payment to those deprived of their books.
§ Mrs. ChalkerOn 29 June the number of claims for child benefit outstanding at the child benefit centre in which an order book has been returned because of a change of circumstances was about 32,000. Most of the changes reported would necessitate the issue of a further child benefit order book.
It is not possible to determine how many of the 32,000 claims have been outstanding since 28 March, the first day of the five-week period during which order books were not issued because of industrial action, without disproportionate cost. Normally the average number of 722W order books issued each week reflecting a change of circumstances is about 17,000.
Any cases of hardship caused by the failure of order books to arrive should be taken up with the local office of the Department of Health and Social Security.
§ Mrs. Dunwoodyasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what urgent arrangements he is making for the payment of social security benefits in view of the length of time now being taken to renew benefit order books.
§ Mrs. ChalkerDespite recent difficulties, renewal order books are now being sent to post offices nearly three weeks before the date of the first payment but delays in postal services can result in a few books arriving late. If any beneficiary is in urgent financial need through not receiving his order book he should contact his local social security office. I am keeping matters under close review and will take any action necessary to ensure timely payment of benefit.